Since its acquisition by Japan’s Zensho Holdings, all Lotteria burger restaurants in Japan have been rebranded as Zetteria!
Zensho Holdings, the company that oversees popular Japanese restaurant chains such as Sukiya and Hama Sushi, recently acquired all shares of Lotteria in Japan. Lotteria is a burger restaurant established in South Korea and has grown in popularity all over Asia. However, Lotteria Japan now sets itself apart with its rebranding of all stores to “Zetteria” to reflect its new leadership under Japanese rule (sounds dramatic aye?).
Same, but Different
I tried Zetteria for the first time during my trip to Tokyo Big Sight and was pleasantly surprised at its menu.
The self-ordering screen was new and improved and the aesthetics of the logo and packaging felt like a new restaurant that was paying homage to its original makers, kind of like Hungry Jacks and Burger King situation in Australia (if you know, you know).
While some of the burgers still felt like your classic Lotteria beef burgers, there was a whole new range of items that literally spiced things up.
Delicious New Burgers!
This garlic pepper fried chicken burger is what I would call the pride and joy of the new Zetteria brand.
It deviates from the typical and somewhat bland flavors of Japanese Lotteria restaurants which were, quite frankly, not on par with the chains over in Korea.
These burgers came packed with flavor that I felt Lotteria Japan was lacking, encompassing a sophisticated use of chili, garlic, and honey butter to create unique and interesting flavor combinations.
Still a Cheap, Good Feed!
Having a burger combo meal plus an additional burger for less than 1,500 yen (10 USD) is a pretty good deal wherever you are in the world (especially in this economy!).
I enjoyed every bite and was left pretty full despite having eaten nothing all day prior to this feed.
All in all, I’m happy with the changes that Zetteria had brought to a burger chain which I felt was second-rate compared to its Korean headquarters.
A new look and a new menu is all you need to bring back the spark of a dying burger franchise!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!